Microbial Pathogens Requiring Special Laboratory Techniques

In Sections VIII through X, we have studied microbiological techniques for isolating and identifying aerobic or facultatively anaerobic bacteria. In this section we shall see how anaerobic bacteria are cultivated. The general techniques for identifying mycobacteria and microbial pathogens of other types (fungi, viruses, animal parasites) are also described in these exercises. In some infections, evidence of the causative microorganism is obtained by examining the patient's serum for specific antibodies against the suspected pathogen. This is usually done when the microorganisms are difficult to cultivate by routine methods or sufficient time has elapsed such that the organism is no longer recoverable in culture from patient specimens.

You should note that these techniques are quite varied. It is therefore important to remember that when specimens are ordered for laboratory diagnosis of microbial disease, the suspected clinical diagnosis should be stated on the request slip or in the computer so that appropriate laboratory procedures can be instituted promptly.